I AM JACK’S BEAMING SMIRK

Jack will earn $3.5 million for the first three years commencing the 2011-2012 season and $5 million in the final four.

I am Jack’s heavy wallet.

Jack Johnson has committed to staying a King for the remainder of his 20’s. He has made this writer happier than a perpetual elbow to Corey Perry’s face. He entered the league in the 2008-2009 season with a wake of hype and lofty expectations. While injuries slowed his progress, the unmistakable fidelity to work ethic and fitness has made him a favorite among Kings’ fans. Other than Jonathan Quick, there is no better athlete on this team and, like all great soldiers of sport, Jack has recognized at an early age how hard you work off the ice is directly proportional to your success on the ice as well as the ability to avoid further injuries which stifle physical and psychological growth.

I am Jack’s eight percent body fat.

Skating. Natural. Effortless. He glides without unnecessary up and down motion. Jack possesses a strong first step and a mid to high range that mirrors most great defensemen. The strong legs and fitness level allow him to skate just as hard and fast in the first minute as the final in the game.

I am Jack’s fluid stride.

His offensive game has shined the field of brilliant to good. Jack’s maturing process will serve him well. I look for him to become more confident with the puck and lose the hesitation that sometimes creeps into his game. His shot is an acme rocket on a rope. Hard. Accurate. This season, more than last, I have witnessed his ability to control the slap shot and keep it low to allow rebounds while, when necessary, pick a corner. At 23, there are few defensemen I would put ahead of him in pure shooting prowess. He has always had a wicked wrist shot and been a good passer. On the latter, Jack has learned to control its velocity, especially cross ice in the offensive zone and on breakouts. The one area of improvement which only comes with time and experience is finding lanes though eliminating the hesitation of which we write will help.

I am Jack’s future Norris.

Defense has at times been Jack’s achilles heel. His pairing with Drew Doughty has seen mixed fortune due to their similar puck carrying game and offensive instincts. Jack has been at his best defensively when paired with a defensive defenseman, be it Scuderi or Mitchell. In the first dozen starts, we saw him play 25 + minutes per game and rarely waver from smart decisions and strong play on both ends of the ice. Since then, Jack has seen ups and downs. He is not nor should we expect him to be a shut down defenseman. We have three of those. Jack is at his best in his young years when he has the freedom to skate, rush the puck up the ice and move it to the forwards before he joins the attack. On defense, his size and strength allow him to punish opposing centers and wingers, keep the play to the outside and retrieve the puck for the critical transition game that all elite teams possess.

I am Jack’s complete game.

If there were any questions concerning his desire to build his legacy and win championships as a Los Angeles King, the contract terms should certainly put that to an eternal rest.

I am Jack’s Kings’ tattoo.

I want to see Jack Johnson lift the Cup over his head, smirk and all, as a proud member of our Kings. Nothing less is acceptable for him or us as fans. Next time his name is announced at the starting lineup, cheer louder than you have before. Show him the respect he has demonstrated to our team and us as fans by committing to staying and winning here.

15 replies

Patience will serve you well. Through long years (you are very young), I have learned that patience with naturally gifted defensemen brings in rewards in shining Stanley Cups. Take the top 20 defensemen in the past 30 years to play the game and look at their game in the first 3-5 full seasons. You will see a startling resemblance to that of Johnson’s. Teams that do not nurture Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty types live to regret it. The Kings have a history of the latter already.

Dude Meg are you watching the game with your glasses on. Johnson has been nothing short of great all year with hard play in the D zone and outstanding Breakout passes. He’s really shielding Doughty from his sloppy play. It took a contract year for the Guy but hell be a Norris candidate.

This is great news for the team, that Johnson will be with them for the forseeable future. He is one of the core members of this team that Lombardi was talking about preserving when he was not getting other players at too high a price. I think it’s very cool that Jack got himself this deal, especially after the friction between he and Lombardi at the end of last season. Maybe now Jack should start negotiating for Drew!

But I don’t necessarily believe this one will bite the kings, because his contract does seem nice. I would love to see how he compares with people with similar contract and potential/ability. But I hope he continues build his strong two way game… particularly decision making. Like late last night when he iced the puck when they were on the power play… I also think its funny when you have as many points as Jack has, including the PP, and he’s still -5.

Aspects of Johnson’s game has grown each year…but NEVER at the rate concerning fans want. He is a warrior – HATES to lose. Wasn’t concerned about “missing out” on anything EXTRA he could be getting in the new CBA. My respect has grown for him with this signing. I’m not worried that he will help this team become consistent contenders. Will be be the BEST defenseman, who knows, but he will be successful and respected, no doubt!

Hey I’m my mind I have made the following trades:
1. Brown Quick Draft pick to Calgary for Kiprosuff Regehr.
2. Draft pick Prospect to Ottowa for Alfredsson.
3. Doughty to Nashville for Shea Weber.
Reasoning: Brown can take himself and his little hits and Quick can take his aw shucks attitude to Calgary in exchange for a fierce competitor in Kipper and a good shutdown D man where we can roll out 3 per game
Kopi will finally have someone to take him to the next level in Alfredsson as well as veteran leadership. Weber is also an intense fearce Guy and Doughty can go to the Nashville Hard Rock Cafe and get a t-shirts to add to his collection. Also with Doughty gone Simmonds will be more focused
Stanley Cup winning team for sure. Thank you.

Nice write up. JJ is an excellent athlete.I wasn’t sure if his agenda was to be all about himself or be a team player. This makes me see his loyalty us to the Kings and now he has has mine.
GO KINGS GO !!!